AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA — The community is mourning the devastating loss of Georgeanna L. Hardesty, 51, of Iron Gate, and Sabrina L. Harris, 50, of Covington, who tragically died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 during the early morning hours of Monday, July 22, 2025.
According to the Virginia State Police, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:19 a.m. near mile marker 89. The victims were inside a 2026 Freightliner TMA (Truck Mounted Attenuator) crash truck, a vehicle specifically designed to protect construction zones and highway travelers. The truck was traveling eastbound on I-64 when the driver reportedly overcorrected, leading to catastrophic consequences.
The truck veered off the right shoulder of the road, broke through a guardrail, descended down an embankment, struck a tree, and ultimately overturned onto its side. The violent series of events resulted in fatal injuries for both occupants, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that both Hardesty and Harris were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Authorities have not yet identified a specific cause for the driver’s loss of control. Investigators continue to examine various factors, including road conditions, weather, vehicle functionality, and potential driver-related issues. As of now, no other vehicles were involved in the incident, and no additional injuries have been reported.
This heartbreaking tragedy also casts a spotlight on the inherent risks of highway construction and maintenance zones, even when safety measures like TMA trucks are in place. These trucks are engineered to absorb impact and protect work crews and motorists—yet, in this instance, the very vehicle meant to safeguard lives was involved in a deadly crash.
The Virginia State Police extended deep condolences to the families and loved ones of Georgeanna Hardesty and Sabrina Harris, recognizing their sudden loss as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be changed on the road.
Both women leave behind grieving communities in Iron Gate and Covington, where they were known and loved. Their passing is a heavy blow to family, friends, and colleagues alike.
As the investigation remains active and ongoing, officials urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact the Virginia State Police.
Further updates will be provided as more details are confirmed. In the meantime, the memory of Georgeanna L. Hardesty and Sabrina L. Harris will be honored by those who knew and loved them, as communities come together to remember two lives lost far too soon.
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